Del Piero Denied Contract Extension

byPhilip MboyaonApril 18, 2012

Juventus legend Alsessandro Del Piero’s career with the Italian giants could be winding down to an end after club president Andrea Agnelli refused to grant him an extension on his contract which runs out in the summer.

In an interview with Vanity Fair that is scheduled to be published today, Del Piero revealed how Agnelli’s comments took him by surprise.

“Angelli’s remarks surprised me,” Del Piero said.

“But a captain must never forget his duties and what he represents. Juventus are committed to winning the Scudetto and Coppa Italia. There is no need for controversy, which has never been present in my career.”

The 37 year old striker made his 700th appearance for Juventus in their 2-1 win over Lazio last week to preserve their impressive unbeaten run in the league. Sitting just one point above Milan in the Serie A standings, Juve are still in the running for the double as they are scheduled to face Napoli in the final.

At the moment, Del Piero’s options look very limited. No club has yet to show an interest in him and despite the MLS extending to him an open hand, the striker remains uncertain about his future.

“I will be without a contract on June 30,” he continued.

“I cannot imagine my future, it is a huge change and it scares me a little bit, because it is like leaving your home a second time. But I will live this challenge as I did when I was playing a video game as a kid – this is a new level to overcome.”

Meanwhile, Serie A action is set to resume this weekend after matches scheduled for last weekend were postponed following the death of Serie B player Piermario Morosini’s death while playing against Pescara over the weekend.

Juventus will host AS Roma at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday while second place Milan will welcome Bologna to the San Siro. In other fixtures, Inter will travel to Florence to take on Fiorentina on Sunday while Napoli will play host to Novara a day earlier.